Paul Chapple has been appointed Vice President of Hotel Operations at Windstar Cruises to lead hotel operations as the line grows with Star Seeker and Star Explorer.
Summary: Paul Chapple joins Windstar Cruises as Vice President of Hotel Operations to lead hotel operations and guest experience as the line adds Star Seeker (launched December 2025) and Star Explorer (debuting December 2026).
Paul Chapple has been named Vice President of Hotel Operations at Windstar Cruises, a role created to strengthen the company’s guest-service capacity as it prepares for significant fleet growth. Chapple will steer the transformation of Windstar’s hotel operations and help shape the onboard experience during the line’s next expansion phase.
A strategic hire amid rapid expansion
Windstar’s leadership move comes as the cruise sector evolves and the company accelerates its fleet additions. The appointment is timed to support two new ships joining the line — Star Seeker, which entered service in December 2025, and Star Explorer, scheduled for December 2026 — both of which are expected to broaden Windstar’s luxury offerings and global itineraries.
Background and experience
Chapple brings more than two decades of cruise industry experience, specializing in guest experience enhancement and commercial growth. Before joining Windstar, he was Associate Vice President of Onboard Commercial Strategy at Azamara Cruises, where he led global initiatives spanning shore excursions to hotel stays. His expertise in product development, onboard revenue management, and hotel operations is expected to support Windstar’s transition into a larger fleet footprint without sacrificing its intimate service style.
Scope of the role
In his capacity as Vice President of Hotel Operations, Chapple will have overall responsibility for the line’s hospitality functions, ensuring service quality across Windstar’s all-suite yachts and sailing ships as passenger numbers rise with the new vessels.
- Food and beverage operations
- Entertainment programming
- Guest relations and onboard services
- Destination services and shore experiences
- Onboard revenue and product development
Collaboration with executive leadership
Chapple will report into the company’s senior management and work closely with newly appointed Chief Operating Officer Stijn Creupelandt to align hotel operations with Windstar’s broader strategic goals. The leadership reshuffle aims to ensure operational cohesion as the brand responds to growing demand for premium, immersive cruise experiences.
Fleet additions and itineraries to watch
Star Seeker entered service in December 2025 and is slated for itineraries across the Caribbean, Alaska, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Star Explorer is due to debut in December 2026 and will operate year-round in the Mediterranean, marking a new seasonal offering for Windstar.
- Star Seeker: launched December 2025 — Caribbean, Alaska, Japan, Southeast Asia
- Star Explorer: debut December 2026 — year-round Mediterranean deployment
- Focus: maintain personalised, boutique service across an expanding all-suite fleet
What this means for travellers and the industry
With an experienced hotel operations leader in place, Windstar is signalling its intent to preserve the high-touch, personalised service that defines boutique luxury cruising even as it scales up. Travellers can expect continued emphasis on elevated dining, curated shore experiences, and thoughtful onboard programming. For the cruise industry, the hire demonstrates how operators are prioritising hospitality expertise to convert fleet growth into consistent guest satisfaction and revenue gains.
So what? For prospective passengers, Chapple’s appointment means Windstar is investing in the service and product details that matter to luxury travellers as the line introduces new ships and routes. For industry observers and partners, it underscores the importance of experienced hospitality leadership when expanding operations.
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